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Prefix Secures $7.5 Million to Scale its FM Solution for Retail and Restaurant Operators

by Katie Lee

New York City — Prefix, a facility management platform for multi-site restaurant and retail operators, has raised a $7.5 million seed round. The funding was co-led by Collide Capital and Slow Ventures, with participation from Connexa Capital, Kyle Archer of Elevated Inc, and existing investors I2BF, and Bienville Capital. Prefix will use the capital to continue development of its AI infrastructure, boost sales and marketing efforts, and drive scalability to service more than 10,000 locations across the United States. Multi-location retail and restaurant brands spend an estimated $500 billion annually …

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Casey’s Expands Partnership with SoundHound AI Across More Than 2,600 Stores

by Katie Lee

Santa Clara, Calif. — SoundHound AI, Inc., a global leader in voice and conversational AI, has renewed and expanded its long-standing partnership with Casey’s, the third-largest convenience retailer in the United States. The expanded deal highlights the strength of the collaboration, as SoundHound’s AI-powered ordering agents have already supported Casey’s in handling more than 21 million guest interactions, successfully processing millions of food orders. Casey’s has deployed the technology across more than 2,600 locations, helping ensure guests can place orders quickly and easily. Casey’s is focused on delivering convenient, high-quality …

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goop kitchen Expands to New York, Marking First Launch Outside California

by Katie Lee

New York City — goop kitchen, the upscale, chef-crafted restaurant concept founded by Gwyneth Paltrow, made its highly anticipated New York City debut on April 20, marking the brand’s first expansion outside of California and a major new phase of growth. Built as a dark kitchen model, goop kitchen operates without traditional dining rooms, offering thoughtfully crafted meals designed specifically for delivery and takeout. The New York launch represents a significant milestone for the brand, bringing its delivery-focused model to one of the most sophisticated and competitive food markets in …

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Sonic Automotive Grows Powersports Division by Acquiring 5 Harley-Davidson Dealerships

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Sonic Automotive, Inc., one of the nation’s largest automotive and powersports retailers, has significantly expanded its Sonic Powersports division through the acquisition of five new Harley-Davidson dealerships across California, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. “This acquisition represents a pivotal step in our long term growth plan for Sonic Automotive, extending our reach within the high-growth powersports business and further diversifying our business portfolio,” says David B. Smith, chairman and chief executive officer of Sonic Automotive. “Our proven ability to integrate and scale operations, coupled with our relentless …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Bagels & Co. Names CEO Promotion and CFO Addition

by Katie Lee

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Bagels & Co. has added to its leadership team (CEO and CFO) as the brand continues to expand in Florida and Pennsylvania with plans to also open in Ohio, Arizona, Georgia and Alabama. Kevin Armantrout, who joined Bagels & Co. in 2025 as chief operating officer, has been promoted to chief executive officer, succeeding Bagels & Co. co-founder and board member Mike Marsh. Armantrout previously served as president and COO of Another Broken Egg Café and franchise president & corporate vice president of operations for Ruth’s …

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Best Buy Unveils CEO Succession Plans

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — The board of directors of Best Buy Co., Inc. has selected Jason Bonfig, the company’s chief customer, product and fulfillment officer, to succeed Corie Barry as the next chief executive officer at Best Buy. Barry will step down from her roles as CEO and member of the board at the end of third quarter on Oct. 31 of this year. Bonfig will also join the board at that time. Bonfig’s appointment as the sixth CEO in the company’s 60-year history is the result of an extensive process conducted …

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Smoothie King Embarks on New Brand Evolution Plan

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Smoothie King is marking the beginning of the next chapter in its 53-year history by introducing a new brand evolution plan. The new plan is designed to build on its continued momentum, reinforce category leadership and accelerate long term growth. It includes more than 200 new store commitments, over 1,500 available trade areas in its development pipeline and a newly expanded food menu. The new brand evolution also introduces a transformed in-store experience, rolling out over the coming year. In 1973, Smoothie King introduced a new category to …

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facilities managementNewsretailerssoftware/technologyvendors

MINISO USA Partners with NEST to Streamline Facilities Management Across U.S. Stores

by Katie Lee

Philadelphia — NEST, a national provider of integrated facilities management (IFM) solutions, has partnered with MINISO USA to serve as its facilities management partner for more than 300 MINISO stores across the United States. NEST will deliver a full-service IFM solution designed to streamline operations, reduce complexity and support store performance as the MINISO brand continues to expand in the U.S. NEST will manage a broad range of services, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting and general maintenance across MINISO stores. The partnership includes vendor management, service coordination, analytics and operational …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Nothing Bundt Cakes® Opens 800th Bakery

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Nothing Bundt Cakes reached a major milestone as it opened the doors to its 800th bakery on April 15. The 800th bakery opened at 2660 Oswell St. in East Bakersfield, Calif., and will be operated by owners Chiral and Dixit Desai, who also own multiple bakeries within the state. “This achievement reflects the work and passion of our bakery owners and teams, along with the fans who make us part of their everyday celebrations,” says Dolf Berle, CEO of Nothing Bundt Cakes. “At this stage of growth, what …

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Primark to Open Flagship Store in Manhattan’s Herald Square in May

by Katie Lee

New York City — Primark, an international value fashion retailer, plans to open a flagship Herald Square store in Manhattan’s PENN DISTRICT on May 8. Located at 150 W 34th St., directly across from Penn Station, the new Manhattan flagship marks a defining moment for Primark in the U.S. and a major milestone in its U.S. expansion. The new store will stand alongside the brand’s flagship stores in other fashion capitals such as London, Milan, Madrid and Rome. Spanning more than 54,000 square feet of retail space, the Herald Square …

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